Heart disease, a condition that occurs when your heart’s blood flow is blocked or restricted due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

While it was previously believed to only affect middle-aged or older adults, recent studies have shown that lifestyle habits in adolescence could greatly increase the risk of heart disease later in life. In this article, we take a closer look at these habits and their potential link to heart disease in teens.

Eating Habits

Unhealthy eating habits, especially those high in saturated and trans fats, sodium and sugar, are among the biggest contributors to heart disease risk in teens.

Research has shown a link between consumption of unhealthy foods such as fast food, processed snacks, sugary drinks, and heart disease in teenagers. It is, therefore, advisable for teenagers to develop healthy eating habits such as incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and limiting intake of saturated and trans fats, sodium, and sugar.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Many teenagers today are leading sedentary lifestyles due to factors such as an increase in screen time and less physical activity.

This inactivity could greatly increase the risk of heart disease by contributing to weight gain, higher blood pressure, and higher cholesterol levels. Encouraging teens to engage in regular physical activity could go a long way in reducing their risk of heart disease.

Smoking

Smoking is a leading cause of heart disease in teens and adults. Smoking releases chemicals that damage the lining of the arteries and lead to a buildup of plaque.

Constant exposure to these chemicals could greatly increase the risk of heart disease in both short and long term. Prevention of smoking habit in teens could aid in reducing their risk of heart disease.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Excessive use of alcohol and drug abuse are among the leading causes of heart disease in teenagers.

Alcohol abuse has been linked to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and other cardiovascular diseases that could increase the risk of heart disease. Drug abuse causes damage to the vessels and arteries and could, therefore, increase the risk of heart disease in teens. It is advisable for teenagers to avoid alcohol and drug abuse to decrease their risk of heart disease.

Stress

High levels of stress in teenagers could also increase the risk of heart disease in the future. Chronic stress could lead to high blood pressure, stress-induced inflammation, and worsen other risk factors for heart disease.

It is, therefore, essential for teenagers to learn stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, and other relaxation techniques or even talking to a therapist to decrease their risk of heart disease.

Sleeping Habits

Getting enough sleep is essential for heart health. Sleep-deprived teenagers are at a higher risk of heart disease than those who get adequate rest. Off-time or irregular sleep schedules could also increase the risk of heart disease in teens.

Adolescents should aim to get at least 8-10 hours of good quality sleep every night to decrease their risk of heart disease.

Regular Check-ups

Regular check-ups are very crucial in identifying risk factors for heart disease at an early stage. Annual checkups assist in evaluating risk factors for heart attacks.

For instance, checkups could identify factors such as obesity, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and smoking habit in teens early and implement appropriate interventions to decrease their risk of heart disease.

Conclusion

Several lifestyle habits in teenagers, such as a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, stress, poor sleeping habits and irregular check-ups, have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

Encouraging teenagers to lead an active lifestyle, consume healthy foods, avoiding smoking and alcohol and drug abuse, getting enough rest, managing stress, and going for regular check-ups can go a long way in reducing their risk of heart disease.